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Strong sales of the New Nintendo 3DS – coupled with a handful of major software launches – saw Sony lose its spot atop the United States hardware charts in February, but it still managed to keep hold of its console crown. According to the latest NPD report, the PlayStation 4 was the best selling console nationwide last month – and it also moved more software than all of its competitors, too.

This success was underlined by The Order: 1886, which debuted in ninth position in the best selling software list. Given that Ready at Dawn's alternate history escapade launched on 20th February, it only had eight days to grab that slot. It's worth noting, however, that new multiformat releases like Evolve and Dragon Ball XenoVerse both charted higher than the heavily publicised exclusive, finishing in second and seventh respectively.

It was actually a much better month for the industry as a whole, with overall income up eight per cent year-over-year, totalling $955.6 million. Hardware sales contributed $378.2 million to that total, up 10 per cent compared to February 2014. Software was also up seven per cent year-over-year, hitting $338.9 million. This was in spite of collapsing PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sales, which collectively fell by a whopping 41 per cent.

"Demand for the PS4 remains incredibly strong in the US as it was number one in hardware-and-software sales in February, according to the latest NPD report," a Sony spokesperson said with a hint of spin. "PS4 remains the cumulative leader in hardware sales with more than 20.2 million units sold to consumers worldwide, demonstrating the fastest growth in PlayStation hardware history."

To be honest, it's hard to see the Japanese giant's grasp on the home console market slipping in March, with Bloodborne and MLB 15 The Show both likely to be big hardware drivers towards the end of the busy month. Things have definitely been a little more competitive in the all-important American market since Christmas, but we reckon that Sony will be very pleased with how the PS4's performing – especially seeing as it's currently flogging the most expensive box.

Top Ten Physical Retail Releases: February 2015

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS)
  2. Evolve (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
  3. Dying Light (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
  4. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC)
  5. Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3)
  6. NBA 2K15 (PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360)
  7. Dragon Ball: Xenoverse (PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360)
  8. Minecraft (360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4)
  9. The Order: 1886 (PS4)
  10. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (3DS)

[source venturebeat.com, via neogaf.com]